Foreign buyers purchased $45.3 billion worth of U.S. existing homes from April 2025 through March 2026, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2026 International Transactions in U.S. Residential Real Estate report released on July 29. This represents a 19.1% decrease in dollar value and a 14% decline in the number of properties compared to the prior year.
The report is based on surveys of members regarding transactions with international clients who bought or sold residential property during this period. The association said this information helps real estate professionals better serve their clients.
“The decline in foreign home buyer activity mirrors the decline in international visitors and tourists to the United States,” said Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors. “Even a slightly weaker U.S. dollar over the past year, which provides more purchasing power for foreigners, did not induce more activity.” Yun also said, “Foreign buyers from Canada and Mexico—countries that border the U.S.—bought the most housing units. However, Chinese buyers (from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan) spent the most dollars because they bought higher-priced homes, specifically in California. Florida, with its beaches and favorable winter climate, continues to be the top state to draw foreign buyers.”
International buyers purchased a total of 67,100 properties—the second-lowest level since tracking began in 2009—with a median purchase price of $465,000. Of these purchases, foreign buyers residing as recent immigrants or visa holders accounted for 37,600 homes ($21.8 billion), while those living abroad bought 29,500 homes ($23.5 billion). Canada was identified as the top country by number of purchases at 16%, followed by Mexico at 14%, China at 11%, India at 9%, and United Kingdom at 4%. In terms of spending volume, however, Chinese buyers led with $7.6 billion.
Florida remained the leading destination for foreign homebuyers (20%), followed by California (19%), Texas (12%), New Jersey (4%), and Georgia (4%). Nearly half—48%—of all foreign buyer transactions were made entirely with cash compared to just over one-quarter among all existing-home purchasers.
The National Association of Realtors functions as a leading trade association for real estate professionals; it supports diversity and inclusion within its ranks; encompasses around 1,200 local boards and over fifty state associations; delivers resources such as research statistics advocacy education news; works to empower professionals preserving protecting advancing property rights; maintains headquarters in Chicago with an additional office in Washington D.C., according to the official website.